West Chester is going to be slightly (very slightly) more diverse than Media, I think because it’s a larger borough, but both are still a majority white. I grew up just outside of West Chester and live in Media now, so I’m happy to help answer any question you may have.

I've lived in both places after living in Baltimore. They are both predominantly white. West Chester felt somewhat more diverse, but it's also about 3-4 times the size and, as you mentioned, has the public university, which is a large contributor. I would look at the demographics of the school systems to better gage what other the young families you'll be around/your kids peers, but I imagine they would be very similar.

Media is much much more convenient for getting into Center City, and depending on where you live, you can easily walk to the train.

I've been to WC many times and its a lovely town. Fairly diverse, especially in the non college part of the town, however I'd probably reccomend against moving there if you work in Center City. There are plenty of Suburbs that have reliable rail transport to the city, but WC isn't one of them, plus its an hour drive and that early morning blue route traffic is tourture.

I've never been to Media so I don't have much of an opinion there. Good luck on the search!

Thanks. Can I ask what town you live in now?

No problem, I'm in media now and really like it. It's super convenient for work for me which is why I ended up leaving Philly but it's still walkable which is huge for me and hard to find in some of the suburbs.

West Chester (WC) is an awesome borough. It has a university and lots of shops/restaurants. Downtown WC has all kinds of activities throughout the year....everything from a chili cookoff, to bike races, to restaurant week. Politically, Chester County is fairly blue. There is a black community within WC... I dont know how large though. I believe that Chester County is still the #1 county in PA (lowest crime, best health care, etc). WC isn't that far from Philly, which is the 6th largest city in the country. Unfortunately, WC has no trains to Philly.

I used to work in that area and my boss was black. She raised a family in the WC area and I never heard her complain or raise any concerns.

WC has gone through lots of change over the last few decades. It went from being a pretty rough area to being a highly sought after area to live!

Sorry...I just kind of rambled all of the facts I remember when I was there 😁

Media is nice too. It has many of the same amenities as WC, but much more expensive and it doesn't have a college/university. Media does have a train to Philly though.

Personally, I don't think you can go wrong with either one. I know people that live in both and they embrace diversity.

The ranting is encouraged. Thanks so much!

There's no reason to get on the Blue Route when commuting from WC to Center City.

322 to I95 is much faster. Yes, there's a bottleneck as 322 approaches I95, but it's a quicker route.

What is driving the desire to be that far from the city? Is it just school districts/bigger properties/something else? Are you currently renting in or out of Philadelphia?

Mainly school districts.

Have you considered out of catchment and charters for the city itself? I just can’t imagine the drain of having to be on 76 that much for west Chester, especially the drive home. Neither area is going to really tick the diversity box like something closer to the city/the city itself.

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I know this is not 100% on point to your question, but what about Berwyn, Paoli, Chesterbrook? I feel like there’s lots of diversity there in TESD (relatively speaking), and lots of train access to downtown. For only a few bucks each way more than septa, you can ride Amtrak from Paoli to downtown in like 27 mins. The areas are not cheap, but Media is expensive (especially Delco property taxes), so wondering if these areas might be an option)?

Don't move to Philly, it's horrible! My daughter goes to WC she likes it there. Its still conservative, which means like any place people are nice until they're not. Very Quaint, however their parking authority is just as bad as it is in philly. The differences between suburbs and urban city is one hides the dirt and the other don't care about the dirt. But its all dirty.😂😂

Love this take!

I grew up in Wallingford which is right next to Media

Both are majority white but there is a healthy amount of diversity

I would also recommend checking out the “South Media” neighborhood of Nether Providence Township.

Also, if you choose the Media area you’ll be able to commute to Philadelphia on the train

Thanks. I currently live in Middletown and I love it. I feel very comfortable. There have been a few times I've traveled into town (up 252 around rt.1) and felt very out of place.

What's up with South Media and Nether Providence Township? What's the appeal?

So I may be a bit biased because I grew up there but:

South Media has a thriving African American community and a historical AME church (from my understanding)

Nether Providence Township has good parks and the school district is decent

Didn't know that. I'll have to check it out. Thanks!

Given your concerns I'd say media over west Chester.

If you're working in center city, the media/Wawa line runs right through town, meaning you do not have to drive into the city for your commute. At worst it's a walk or a very short drive to the station.

Media itself isn't super diverse, but SOUTH media (which confusingly is part of adjacent Nether Providence) is.

I've lived here for about ten years now, no issues with it and I'm in the exact same boat you are.

Good luck

Great suggestion. I'll look into it. Thanks!

I wouldn’t live in west chester if you work in center city. That’s an insane commute daily. I would lose my mind doing that. Media all the way.

FWIW, I’d look at south jersey if school districts are a main concern. Some of the towns have really good ones and property prices are generally not bad.

Yeah I've heard that but we have family in Delaware. No biggie but rather stay in PA. Thanks so much tho.